04/29/2010

My Mississippi Teacher Corps Experience has been amazing, challenging, and awesome. I think in order for you to get an idea about my experience I need to recap the last two years or so of my life.

Fall 2007

In the fall of 2007 I was looking for a job. I was an economics major but the I wasn't thrilled on the idea of going into business. Then one day, as I was in the campus center, I saw an advertisement for a info session on Mississippi Teacher Corps. I had never heard of it but I was excited to go. My friend Sara was visiting me at the time so I dragged her along with me. There I two Amherst Alums spoke to us about their experience in the program, their challenges and successes. I was so impressed with the info session I decided to apply. A month later I was accepted into the MTC.

Summer 2008

Fast forwarding to two weeks after graduation, I packed my backs and got on a plane, ready to begin my journey. My first summer is still much of a blur. It went by so quickly. Enormous amounts of information was thrown at me from several different directions. Advice was plentiful, so many people were helpful and really rooting for you to succeed. I had never had that before. I truly felt wanted, apart of a team, and supported. I remember one day thinking “am I too young to be a teacher?” I am only a few years older then some of my students. It was that summer that I learned the importance of planning. I also learned that if you are not having fun it's your own fault. Teaching should not feel like a chore if it does then its probably not for you. You should enjoy teaching.

Fall 2008

My very own classroom. The start of my first year was pretty rocky. First starting with the fact that I was not allowed to see my classroom until the first day of school, because my district had not had a board meeting to approve new teachers. So on the first day of school, I was excited yet not knowing what to expect. I planned to leave my house extra early. On the first day, I lock myself out of my car. Who does that? Me, of course. Luckily, I had left my window open enough that I could fit a tree branch in there to try to get it out. As I was trying to unlock my door a fellow MTCer drove by, Michelle. She was a second year, but this was her first year in Greenville Public Schools as well. On top of her car she had her lunch. I told her about it and we had a nice laugh about it. Moving along into my first year I struggled with being organized and as a consequence I also struggled with classroom management. Being organized saves you time and stress. I was giving out consequence and rewards but I had no system in place to keep track of it. Also I was so behind on grading. I was in trouble and sinking fast.

Spring 2009

After Christmas break, I came back ready to work. I made myself get organized or at least more organized then I previously was. I developed a system to keep track of consequences and rewards. I started taking Ben's advice and staying after each day and grading a little at a time. Things really picked up around April. We went into remediation mode, trying to get our students ready for the state test. It was then that my classroom management skills got tested. We combined classes so at any time I had anywhere from 40 to 50 students in my class at a time. And on top of that my air conditioning didn't work, talk about a tough crowd. My first year went by so quickly, and before I knew it it was summer time.

Summer 2009

I couldn't believe a year had past and that I was now a second year. That title sounded so weird to me. There were new first years who were looking for advice and I was going to provide them with some. It surprised me how much knowledge I had to share. I had only been teaching a year yet in that one year I had acquired my own knowledge and experience in teaching. I had learned that experience is the best kind of knowledge. You can tell a person this and that but until they get in the classroom and experience it for themselves and find out what works for them they'll never really know how to teach or what it is. That summer I experimented with new ways to present ideas in the classroom. I moved from teacher centered to student centered. I liked being able to provide advice and suggestions on how I would present a lesson and how long it might take students to get an objective. Stepping into the role of mentor really catapulted me into the next level of being a teacher.

Fall 2009

Bring it on. In August, I was ready for my students. This year I spent an entire week going over rules and procedures in the classroom. Also I introduced my kids to my classroom and my style of teaching. Everyone is different and that is why something may work for me and not others. Starting the year off I encouraged my students to take a more active role in their learning. Everyday I would present them with a puzzle or a problem and they had to work together to solve it. These puzzles got my students familiar with being and working in groups. I would only be in the front of the classroom for maybe 15 minutes at most. I also learned to take a backseat in the classroom. It's my students who have to learn the material not me. They won't always have me their to check their work, so whenever my students would ask me if they got a problem right I would say explain it to me, instead of answering their question right away.

Spring 2010

Wow, one more semester to go. This semester I have really played to my strengths which have been tutoring in small groups or one – on – one. I now make it a point to get to every student in my class and work with them either in a group or individually. This way I am constantly assessing all of my students. I also use peer tutors, which is successful if you show your students how to tutor and not just tell the person the answer. It has been said that students learn more from their peers than teachers. I have about 4 more weeks left of school and about 2 weeks until the state test. I am proud of my students progress thus far, but there is doubt that you have done everything you possibly could have to make sure your students are successful. Am I an effective teacher? Yes. Am I a good teacher? Maybe, I'm well on my way. Am I a great teacher? No, not even close but I aspire to be one day.

Looking Forward 2010-2011

As I go into the summer I am excited for the new adventure ahead of me. I have been hired as a teacher for a private boarding school in western Massachusetts. It will be a drastic change for me. From public to private school, but not just that. I will be changing locations. I will also be moving up to teach high school (I have been teaching middle school these past two years). I am sure I will face new challenges at this new school, but I am looking forward to it. I will truly miss Mississippi, it was my home for two years of my life. I have grown both professionally and privately. The Mississippi Teacher Corps was the best thing that happened for me. It pointed me in the direction of education, and now I am an educator for life. You've done it again! You've produced another educator.

Boy are you in for it, but don't worry you'll get through it, if you survive the culture shock. lol For many of you, Mississippi will be new to you, a different world even. When I first came to Mississippi I was excited for this new adventure. Finally, arriving to Oxford, MS. I was pleased. It was a thriving college town. I actually had my first encounter with a 24 hour Walmart. Thank goodness for those, I wouldn't know what I would do without them.

During my first summer I had only visited Greenville (the Delta city I was placed in) once. I truly did not understand how different the Delta was. When I first arrive to Greenville I was shocked to see how desolate it really was. Downtown was nearly non-existent, full of empty stores. The mall consisted of 5 or 6 stores, much less now that Sears left. But despite how much seemed "missing" there is a Delta pride that the people here feel. It is amazing to be apart of it. So make the best of where you are placed and integrate yourself into the community.

Classroom advice. No matter how impossible it may seem you can do it. Don't give up. If it isn't working, change it. It makes no sense to stick with something that isn't working. It is okay to change your rules, consequences, or procedures, just give your students warning ahead of time about the changes. Stay consistent and fair, you'll hear this a lot and it has been one of my biggest challenges. Be organized. Chaos only leads to more chaos. Stay on top of things, even in my second year I find times that I slack off on grading papers. If you can try to grade papers as they come, daily. You don't want to be like me and have 5 huge stacks sitting on your desk needing to be graded and recorded within the week. That is just ridiculous and unnecessary stress for you and the students. Your students deserve to know their grade. Grades are a very affective classroom management tool. But if your students aren't receiving feedback they don't know how well they are doing and its not fair to blindside them.

So really my advice to you is to be open minded, do not give up, utilize your resources (i.e. other MTCers), document everything as you go, take pictures, enjoy your time here, do what works for you, and plan plan plan. And most of all DO NOT QUIT!!

03/30/2010

When I think back on my life I'm overwhelmed with the feeling of joy, pride, and accomplishment. How, why did I become a teacher? People ask me that question everyday. My answer: I love it! When I think of my students it brings a huge smile to my face. I'm happy. I love seeing the light go off in my students brain. Plus, I don't dread going to work 99% of the time. :D LOL I leave the 1% of the time when I want to play hookie and give myself a mental health day. A day to relax and sleep in. I love teaching. And even though my chapter here in the Mississippi Delta is coming to an end another chapter in education continues. Granted it's at a independent boarding school in New England. I'm leaving Mississippi with a rejuvenated enthusiasm and passion for teaching which has increased exponentially over the past two years.

The Mississippi Teacher Corps has given me the tools necessary to be an efficient teacher. Note I didn't say good or great or even effective, because it's not what you learn in the classroom that makes you a good teacher; it's you. It's your level of commitment and your love for your students and passion for teaching. I have learned in my short time teaching that your students can see through a facade; they know when you are sincere, whether or not you have the right motivation, if you are there for them.

I'm really going to miss my students, even my trouble makers. They make my day, the things the do or say that make you laugh. I truly am going to miss the confidence my students had in me, and the rapport we had. I'll miss my school, my co-workers. I've never had such a camaraderie with the people I work with. I really got close to one of my co-workers. She was my mentor and friend; we even spent thanksgiving together, plus countless shopping trips to Jackson and Memphis. Guess what our favorite store is? New York and Company.

Things I will not miss include but are not limited to: stores closing early, banks closed for the weekend, no deposits at the ATM, 7 eleven, Starbucks, not even a Dunkin Donuts – Oh boy, what I wouldn't do for Caramel Frap – Old Navy, Gap, New York & Company, a real mall with multiple floors, art galleries, museums, zoos, festivals, a night life.... and so much more. Even though it seems that I have given up so much to be in the Mississippi Delta, the truth is that being here has enriched my life, and for that I will forever be grateful.

01/12/2010

The economy is bad. Your prospects for a job are practically non existent. Why not do the Mississippi Teacher Corps and become a teacher; it can't be that bad. WRONG. That would be the worst reason to join the Mississippi Teacher Corps.

You should not join the Mississippi Teacher Corps if you think a teacher's job ends when they leave their school. A teacher's job extends beyond the hours they spend at school. Grading papers, planning are all things you should plan to do after school hours. Planning is essential for good classroom management. The more you plan, the better. Do not join the Mississippi Teacher Corps if you are here for a pay check. You could earn the same pay working at a dead end 9-5 job. And trust me it would be a lot less stressful. Do not join the MTC if can't handle stressful situation. Don't join if you are not able to meet deadlines and put the effort forth to get results. I hate to admit it but at the end of the day it's the test results that will determine whether a student has mastered the objectives they needed to.

If you are selfish, this job isn't for you. If you are not a multi-tasker, not for you. If you are not a positive person MTC is not for you. If you are a constant complainer or a nay sayer please stay away. We don't need any negative people coming here. Remember that being apart of the Mississippi Teacher Corps means that you will also be in graduate school. If you are not willing to work and go to attend classes don't do it. The classes are on saturdays. I know we all love our weekends but you need to be able to sacrifice an average of one weekend (sometimes two weekends) a month.

You need to be committed and dedicate to your job, your students, and to this program. We don't like quitters and we only play for keeps. So please do us a favor don't join the Mississippi Teacher Corps if you're not ready to be a part of the team.

The Mississippi Teacher Corps is a huge commitment. You should only join if you are ready to commit to the full to years. You need to be resilient. Don't let the children or administration discourage you. You can do it. You should join the Mississippi Teacher Corps if you think you can bring new and innovative ideas to the classroom. You should join if you would like to give back. The Mississippi Teacher Corps gives you the opportunity to have a meaningful impact and positive influence in students lives. You should join if you have a true interest in teaching, even if its for this two years. However, you may come to learn that the classroom is where you are best suited.

To be an effective teacher you need to be able to understand and know your students. I have learned that sharing my life story has brought me closer to my students. I have a similar background and therefore have a connection with my students on a deeper level. Even if you don't have a similar background to the students you teach you need to be willing to show them that you care and you are invested in their life. If your students know you care they will do for you. Take the time to really get to know you students. You should join if you are willing to but in the effort it takes to be an effective teacher. If that means staying after school, you do it. Or if it means you find alternate ways to teach the same objective, you do it. Those students are depending on you.

The Mississippi Teacher Corps is different from other teaching
programs. It is small; it's not just a program but a family. You're
not on your own you truly have other people around that are
supportive. Use them they are your life line. Do not isolate
yourself. Utilize the resources that are around you. You're not in it
alone. Remember that.

If you can do all and be all of these things then I say go for it. The Mississippi Teacher Corps is a journey and an experience you will never forget. Go for it!

10/23/2009

I'm tired of these politicians who are so far removed from real life making decisions for real-life people. They have no idea what the impacts of budget cuts for education are or will be. What they are doing is hurting the kids. Do they care? NO. Why? Because their children do not attend public schools. Sixty percent of the state budget is education? huh? I don't believe it and if it's true where is it? I do not see evidence of this funding. Maybe its not the state department maybe the problem is at the district level, in personnel. Maybe our hiring practices are frivolous and wasteful. Gov. Barbour has no clue what damage is being done to Mississippi. These children are Mississippi's future source of revenue and progress. Mississippi is already suffering from a depleting population and income this budget cut will only perpetuate the problem. Why can't we break the cycle?

Oh yeah, tax revenue is down? I wonder why? You don't have a strong work force how do you expect to have tax revenue.

I find the data provided compelling but not enough to make me believe that Mississippi is truly comparable to a third world country. Granted there is extreme poverty and the disparity is between the poor and wealthy is great, but the availability of medicine and schooling, albeit struggling schools, makes Mississippi and any other state in the U.S. stand out above other third world countries. All in all I feel that although Mississippi may be struggling as a state with public education and health it is bounds ahead of third world countries.

09/21/2009

Number one: You are the adult. Don't argue with your students. And NEVER let a student run your class. Number two: Be consistent and fair. Number three: Be quick and decisive. Never appologize.

Number four: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Follow through.

Number five: Give choices. "You can either sit up straight and do your work, or you can have your mother come up to the school. It's your choice." Number six: Rewards. Positive Reinforcement. It works when you are consistent.

Number seven: Stay calm. Breathe. Keep your voice low. "I don't know who you think you are taking to you, but I know you are not talking to me, the only adult in this class, that way."

Number eight: "I define yelling as your voice being louder than mine."

Write everything down. That is how I stay organized. Everyday I make "to do" list and check them of as I have completed the task. But day to day organization is not what you're really asking about..... In my classroom I have a place for everything and a daily routine. I have an in box and an out box with graded work. All of my students also have their own folders which are in floating files. I have a class helper, who changes every week, pass out their folders and the papers that have been graded. I also have my helper collect the daily assignment. As for bell ringers I stopped collecting them. I now have my students collect 25 bell ringers than hand in that pack for one grade at the end of the 9 weeks. It's seeming to work,plus it helps them keep up with their papers. And its less papers for me to grade. Bottom line have a place and/or procedure for everything. Never let your desk get junked with papers. Everyday before I leave I straighten up my desk. Chaos leads to chaos. Organization leads to order. Students don't like to be in a classroom that is disorganized. Plus when you're organized you are better and more effecient at discipline and rewards. Good luck at staying organized.

** It may seem like a lot of work, but in the end staying organized saves you time.

08/31/2009

This semester I would like to reward more. After a year of practice I can definitely say that I have become more consistent with my consequences, but, unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my rewards. More often then not the rewards get left behind for consequences. The focus has been taken off those who deserve rewards to those who earn consequences. Those students are being over looked and under appreciated. This year, I am going to make sure that I hand out tickets everyday and have weekly raffles, where students can collect prizes. I believe if I focus on positive re-enforcement I will be able to deter misbehavior before it even happens. I am taking a different, more preventative approach. I hope that it works. Wish me luck. :)